Emilie Meyer
Bedpans are a practical solution for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility due to illness, injury, surgery, or other mobility issues. They serve as a container for collecting urine and faeces, offering convenience, privacy, and independence to users who cannot easily access a regular toilet. Applying a bedpan can be an awkward and embarrassing experience for both the patient and caregiver, so it is important to be emotionally sensitive, physically gentle, and calm throughout the process. This involves explaining the procedure to the patient beforehand, maintaining their dignity, and assisting them gently and compassionately.
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What You'll Learn
Explain the procedure to the patient and show compassion
It is important to explain the procedure to the patient and show compassion throughout the process of applying a bedpan. Begin by greeting the patient and explaining that you are going to help them use the bedpan. Show patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation. Reassure the patient that you know what you are doing and that you will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Explain each step before you perform it, to help calm the patient and reduce their fear and uncertainty.
If the patient is sharing a room, draw the curtain to separate the beds. Keep the patient's legs covered with a blanket or sheet until you are ready to position the bedpan. If possible, set a protective pad or towel beneath the patient to prevent soiling the sheets. Warm the bedpan with hot water and dry it off before use, to make the experience more comfortable. If the patient has any wounds, do not use talcum powder, but you can sprinkle the edge with talcum powder if not, as this will make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient.
Explain to the patient that you will help them remove their lower-body clothing, or assist them if they are able to do this themselves. If the patient is wearing a gown, leave it on if it has an opening in the back, otherwise, lift it above their waist. Cover their legs with a sheet or blanket and give them space and privacy.
Instruct the patient to lie on their back with their knees bent and feet flat on the mattress. Place the bedpan close to the patient's hips, with the curved edge facing the back. If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under them and gently instruct them to lower themselves down. If the patient cannot raise their hips, gently roll them onto their side, placing the bedpan against their hips, before rolling them back onto the bedpan.
Once the patient is in position, give them toilet tissue and step away to allow for privacy. Remember to maintain the patient's dignity at all times and respect their independence.
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Prepare the bedpan with water and powder
When preparing a bedpan, it is important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle with the patient. Bedpans are used to aid individuals who are bedridden or have restricted mobility, so the process should be handled with patience and understanding.
To prepare the bedpan, start by filling it with very warm water. Allow the water to sit for a few minutes, then empty and dry the bedpan. The warm water will increase the comfort of the patient, as a cold bedpan can be uncomfortable.
Next, sprinkle a thin layer of talcum powder or body powder on the rim of the bedpan. This step is important as it will make it easier to slide the bedpan under the patient. However, do not use powder if the patient has any open wounds, bedsores, or cuts on their buttocks, as this could irritate the skin.
If the patient does have wounds or sores, an alternative option is to place a few squares of toilet paper in the bottom of the bedpan or coat it with a little vegetable oil spray. These methods will still make the cleanup process simpler.
Once the bedpan is prepared, place it as close to the patient as possible, next to their hip, with the curved edge facing the back. If the patient can lift their hips, slide the bedpan under their buttocks and gently instruct them to lower themselves onto it. If the patient cannot lift their hips, gently roll them onto their side and slide the bedpan under them, then help them roll back onto the bedpan.
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Help the patient remove lower-body clothing
When assisting a patient with a bedpan, it's important to be emotionally sensitive and physically gentle. The process can be embarrassing for both parties, so maintaining the patient's dignity is paramount. Explain the procedure to the patient beforehand and assure them that you know what you're doing.
Once the patient is aware of what to expect, you can begin to help them remove their lower-body clothing. If the patient is wearing a gown with an opening in the back, leave it on. If the gown has no opening, lift it above their waist. If the patient is wearing pants and underwear, help them take these down, providing assistance as needed.
During this process, it's important to maintain the patient's privacy. Keep their legs covered with a sheet or blanket until you are ready to position the bedpan. If the patient shares a room, draw the curtain for additional privacy.
If the patient is able to lift their hips, ask them to do so and slide the bedpan underneath their buttocks. If they cannot lift their hips, gently roll them onto their side and slide the bedpan against their hips, then roll them back onto the bedpan.
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Position the bedpan under the patient
Positioning a bedpan can be an intimidating task, but as long as you follow the correct procedure, you should be able to complete it without any problems. Here is a step-by-step guide to positioning a bedpan under the patient:
Firstly, it is important to prepare the patient and the bedpan. Make sure to explain the procedure to the patient beforehand, showing patience and compassion. Assure the patient that you know what to do and that you will make the experience as pleasant as possible. If the patient shares a room, draw the curtain for privacy. Help the patient remove their lower-body clothing, and cover their legs with a sheet or blanket.
Now, you can begin to position the bedpan. Place the prepared bedpan close to the patient's hip, with the curved edge facing the back. If the patient can lift their hips, instruct them to do so and slide the bedpan under their buttocks. Gently help the patient lower themselves onto the bedpan. If the patient cannot raise their hips, gently roll them onto their side, being careful not to roll too far. Place the bedpan against their hips and help them roll back onto the bedpan.
Once the bedpan is in position, prop the patient up with pillows or raise the head of the bed until they are comfortable and upright. Our bodies are not used to using the toilet in a lying-down position, so sitting them up will make it more comfortable.
Finally, give the patient some toilet tissue if they can use it, and leave the room to give them privacy. Remember to check on the patient often so that the bedpan can be removed soon after use.
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Remove the bedpan and clean the patient
Once the patient has finished using the bedpan, it's important to remove it carefully as it can stick to the skin and be uncomfortable to move. If the patient can lift their hips, ask them to do so and gently slide the bedpan out from under them. If they are unable to lift their hips, carefully roll them onto their side and remove the bedpan, being mindful not to spill the contents.
After removing the bedpan, place it to the side and assist the patient with cleaning up. You can use toilet paper, wet wipes, or a warm damp cloth—whichever is most comfortable for the patient. Ensure that the patient's skin is thoroughly dried, as damp skin can lead to rashes or bedsores. If needed, apply any creams to the patient's skin to prevent skin issues.
Next, help the patient put their clothes back on and fix the bed linens. Encourage the patient to sanitise their hands to prevent infection. If the patient is unable to clean their hands on their own, you can use a sanitising wipe to clean their hands for them.
Finally, clean the bedpan thoroughly. Empty the contents of the bedpan into the toilet. If you used wet wipes, dispose of them in the garbage, as they should not be flushed. Rinse and wash the bedpan using a disinfectant diluted with water. You may find it helpful to use a small sprayer attached to the toilet water supply. Dry the bedpan or allow it to air dry. If you are using a reusable bedpan, it is crucial to clean and disinfect it properly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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